Install steel beam to support damp chimney stack

F37A

Hi 

Anyone done this? How big a job is this. Is it easy or costly. There are gallow brackets there currently. There is a risk brackets need replacing as they could break and chimney falls down through ceiling into stairway.

Thanks

Grizebeck

I think you need to give more information before you get a proper answer

F37A

Thanks

The chimney stack i would say is about 2.5-3 metres wide. It is between 2 properties. Property is 1900s. Can't see any cracking on chimney stack. When i feel the stack it is not wet but damp reading suggest damp. This is all info i have atm.

stuart45

I've worked on quite a few chimney removal jobs over the years using different methods of support such as corbelling, gallows and steel. You really need a price from a local builder, as they vary a lot depending on how complex the job is. 
Getting a high reading from a meter doesn't definitely mean the gallows brackets are about to fail. 
Has an SE looked at it?

F37A

stuart45 said:

I've worked on quite a few chimney removal jobs over the years using different methods of support such as corbelling, gallows and steel. You really need a price from a local builder, as they vary a lot depending on how complex the job is. 
Getting a high reading from a meter doesn't definitely mean the gallows brackets are about to fail. 
Has an SE looked at it?

Thanks. So far haven't paid for SE. Don't want to pay but may have to.

pieroabcd

F37A said:

Thanks

The chimney stack i would say is about 2.5-3 metres wide. It is between 2 properties. Property is 1900s. Can't see any cracking on chimney stack. When i feel the stack it is not wet but damp reading suggest damp. This is all info i have atm.

What makes you say that the damp indicates that there's a risk of collapse?
I'm not saying the contrary, but I'd like to understand the connection between the two things.
Is it a conclusion that you have come to or someone suggested it to you?

FreeBear

F37A said:

stuart45 said:

I've worked on quite a few chimney removal jobs over the years using different methods of support such as corbelling, gallows and steel. You really need a price from a local builder, as they vary a lot depending on how complex the job is. 
Getting a high reading from a meter doesn't definitely mean the gallows brackets are about to fail. 
Has an SE looked at it?

Thanks. So far haven't paid for SE. Don't want to pay but may have to.

If you are installing a steel and you want Building Control to sign off, you will need an S.E.

Don't trust a builder if one says BC involvement is not required, or anyone that says go ahead with the work and just get an indemnity policy when you sell. A chimney will contain several tonnes of brick, and should it collapse, it could kill. Do not take chances. Get the work done properly, and don't try to cut corners to save a few quid.

stuart45

FreeBear said:

F37A said:

stuart45 said:

I've worked on quite a few chimney removal jobs over the years using different methods of support such as corbelling, gallows and steel. You really need a price from a local builder, as they vary a lot depending on how complex the job is. 
Getting a high reading from a meter doesn't definitely mean the gallows brackets are about to fail. 
Has an SE looked at it?

Thanks. So far haven't paid for SE. Don't want to pay but may have to.''

Don't trust a builder if one says BC involvement is required,

You missed the n't off is.

FreeBear

stuart45 said:

FreeBear said:

F37A said:

stuart45 said:

I've worked on quite a few chimney removal jobs over the years using different methods of support such as corbelling, gallows and steel. You really need a price from a local builder, as they vary a lot depending on how complex the job is. 
Getting a high reading from a meter doesn't definitely mean the gallows brackets are about to fail. 
Has an SE looked at it?

Thanks. So far haven't paid for SE. Don't want to pay but may have to.''

Don't trust a builder if one says BC involvement is required,

You missed the n't off is.

Darned nits....

Fixed.

Section62

pieroabcd said:

F37A said:

Thanks

The chimney stack i would say is about 2.5-3 metres wide. It is between 2 properties. Property is 1900s. Can't see any cracking on chimney stack. When i feel the stack it is not wet but damp reading suggest damp. This is all info i have atm.

What makes you say that the damp indicates that there's a risk of collapse?
I'm not saying the contrary, but I'd like to understand the connection between the two things.
Is it a conclusion that you have come to or someone suggested it to you?

Gallows brackets are usually steel - sometimes iron - which needs to be kept dry to avoid corrosion.  If the brickwork is damp and in contact with the steel/iron then over time the strength of the brackets will be reduced.  Add in corrosive chemicals from the brickwork/chimney and the rate of loss of strength can be significantly faster.

That doesn't mean the OP definitely has to replace the brackets - it depends on the circumstances and degree of corrosion (if any) - but this could be the reason why someone has told them there is a (potential) risk of collapse.

F37A

Section62 said:

pieroabcd said:

F37A said:

Thanks

The chimney stack i would say is about 2.5-3 metres wide. It is between 2 properties. Property is 1900s. Can't see any cracking on chimney stack. When i feel the stack it is not wet but damp reading suggest damp. This is all info i have atm.

What makes you say that the damp indicates that there's a risk of collapse?
I'm not saying the contrary, but I'd like to understand the connection between the two things.
Is it a conclusion that you have come to or someone suggested it to you?

Gallows brackets are usually steel - sometimes iron - which needs to be kept dry to avoid corrosion.  If the brickwork is damp and in contact with the steel/iron then over time the strength of the brackets will be reduced.  Add in corrosive chemicals from the brickwork/chimney and the rate of loss of strength can be significantly faster.

That doesn't mean the OP definitely has to replace the brackets - it depends on the circumstances and degree of corrosion (if any) - but this could be the reason why someone has told them there is a (potential) risk of collapse.

I suppose even if there was corrosion and looking to replace the gallow brackets then same thing would happen again with new ones. i guess its case of how damp is the chimney as well